Consumer lending

Bank of Hawaii expanded lending for residential mortgages and commercial real estate, boosting its third-quarter profit.

WestStar Bank in El Paso, Texas, has acquired assets from Cimarron Mortgage Capital.

Moody's Corp. said federal officials are planning a lawsuit over its ratings of residential mortgage securities that critics contend were inflated to win business in the years leading up to the 2008 financial crisis.

Profit fell at SunTrust Banks during the third quarter because of higher costs for technology and deposit insurance premiums, as well as an unfavorable yearly comparison.

A simple rhyme reminds one loan officer in a bustling California housing market to stay focused, committed and to treat every loan equally.

Record deposit growth, improved expense management and strong revenue gains from mortgage banking boosted Umpqua Holdings' profits in the third quarter.

Profit improved at M&T Bank in the third quarter as the Buffalo, N.Y., company expanded commercial and mortgage lending and completed the sale of a large investment-securities portfolio.

Regions Financial reported a higher third-quarter profit, citing improved fee income from mortgage lending, capital markets and credit and debit cards.

While compliance costs continue to increase for lenders, the rising age of company owners is what's prompting many independent mortgage bankers to sell their companies.

A desire to own their own businesses led many loan officers to become mortgage brokers during the industry's growth period. As brokering regains its footing, that entrepreneurial spirit is making a comeback.